Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the generation of a treatment compound fluid to inhibit the ripening process of agricultural products, the application of the treatment compound fluid to a confined atmosphere at a location at which the products are stored, and the collection of a sample of the treated atmosphere. In one form, the system includes a treatment compound generator and a sampling subsystem. The treatment compound generator has an exit port fluidly connectable to the confined atmosphere and is configured to generate a treatment compound fluid in-situ. The sampling subsystem includes an inlet port fluidly connected to a pump and a collection chamber. The inlet port is fluidly connectable to the confined atmosphere such that the sampling subsystem can collect a sample of the treated atmosphere through the inlet port and store the sample within the collection chamber.

Abstract: Disease, sunburn and insect damage to fruit and vegetable crops is significantly reduced by treatment of both fruit and foliage with a preventative amount of a protective agent (such as copper sulfate or hydroxide) and an optional amount of thixotropic smectic clay material, chemically altered to render its surface lipophilic, which are combined with a wax emulsion comprising a matrix of complex hydrocarbons, an emulsifying agent and water. In the practice of this disclosure the disease, sunburn, and insect protective composition is further diluted in an aqueous solution that is sprayable by commercial applicators.